Golden Spike National Historical Park News Release

May 2, 2022

For Immediate Release

Contact: Brandon Flint

gosp_superintendent@nps.gov

Golden Spike National Historical Park to Commemorate the Anniversary of the Completion of the Transcontinental Railroad

Promontory Summit, UT – One hundred and fifty-three years ago the world changed at Promontory Summit, Utah when the United States completed the world's first transcontinental railroad, one of the greatest technological achievements of the 19th century. On May 7 and 10, 2022 Golden Spike National Historical Park will commemorate the 153rd anniversary of this momentous event.

On May 10, 1869, locomotives from the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroad Companies met at Promontory Summit completing the nation’s first transcontinental railroad which united the nation. The railroad was built by tens of thousands of workers from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds including Chinese, Irish, Latter-day Saint, Civil War veterans and African American labors whose backbreaking efforts were vital to completing the line. In towns and cities across the nation there were cheers of jubilation, bells rang, and cannons roared as a ceremonial golden spike was driven and a telegrapher sent a message to the nation that the railroad was D-O-N-E. Golden Spike National Historical Park was established in 1965 for the purpose of commemorating the completion of the railroad and the impact it had on the United States.

This year's commemoration will be celebrated over two fun filled days. Activities will include re-enactments of the original 1869 ceremony, steam locomotive demonstrations, re-creations of the historic “champagne photo,” displays of historic objects found along the railroad, performances by Irish musicians and Chinese Lion Dancers, and special Jr Ranger activities. The Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation will be providing cultural demonstrations about their traditional life ways.

“We are excited to commemorate May 10th and share the incredible stories of the people who built a railroad that many people at the time thought was unbuildable,” said Superintendent Brandon Flint, “This a great opportunity to step back in time and stand at the location where the golden spike was driven, learn about the cultures of the workers who made it happen, join in a re-creation of the historic “champagne photo,” and get an up-close view of steam locomotives as they chug past.”

Between the special commemorative events, auto tours, and Big Fill Trail there is a full day of activities at the park. Visitors will also find the area around the park has many opportunities for recreation. To the west lies the world-famous Spiral Jetty and the Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Byway, which is the longest contiguous stretch of original railroad grade remaining, or Northrup Grumman’s Rocket Garden and the Bear River Wildlife Refuge can make a great stop on your way to or from the park.

For more information and detailed schedules of the special events visit Golden Spike National Historical Park's website nps.gov/gosp.

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